Markus Eisenbichler, the prominent German ski jumper, announced his retirement from competitive ski jumping on March 12, 2025, stating he will conclude his illustrious career at the World Cup finals set for March 28 to 30, 2025, in Planica, Slovenia. Eisenbichler shared this significant decision through his Instagram channel, where he expressed his mixed emotions about retiring, underscoring how ski jumping has been central to his life.
“I will end my sports career after Planica,” he stated, emphasizing the difficulty of this decision but also his belief it was the right time. Eisenbichler, who debuted on the World Cup stage during the 2011/12 season at the age of 20, has experienced the peaks of success and the valleys of struggle throughout his career.
Known for his remarkable talent and enthusiasm, Eisenbichler has achieved significant milestones, including winning gold at the 2019 World Championships held in Seefeld, where he excelled from the large hill. This victory was particularly extraordinary as it marked the first time he had clinched gold at the World Championships, achieving it without having prior individual World Cup victories.
Beyond this gold medal, he has secured numerous accolades, including five additional World Championship gold medals competing for the German team. Eisenbichler has also made his mark internationally, clinching the bronze medal as part of the German team at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games held in Beijing. His achievements have helped solidify his status as one of Germany’s most successful ski jumpers.
His retirement announcement came just before participating in the upcoming Raw-Air-Tour, scheduled to begin on March 13, 2025, at the Holmenkollen in Oslo. Eisenbichler has been nominated for the German team, and he expressed his excitement about competing one last time. “I want to give it my all for the Raw-Air Tour and truly enjoy the final World Cup stops,” he noted.
Despite the success documented during his career, the past years have not been without challenges. Eisenbichler struggled to regain his form and faced persistent knee issues, which limited his participation and led him to miss the Vierschanzentournee for the first time since 2012. “Ski jumping was my life – with highs and lows, with emotions hard to put to words,” he said. He has faced tough moments, like not qualifying for events he once dominated, making his final decision much more bittersweet.
Reflecting on his career, DSV sports director Horst Hüttel praised Eisenbichler, stating, “With Markus Eisenbichler, one of the great ski jumpers is leaving the World Cup stage. The DSV is extremely grateful to Markus for his years of dedication, energy, and countless successes.” Hüttel emphasized the athlete’s six world titles, marking him as the most successful German ski jumper to date.
Eisenbichler remarked on his feelings about the end of his ski jumping career: “I have lived my dream and am infinitely grateful. But I also look forward to what’s next: new challenges, new experiences, and finally time for things I have neglected,” hinting at the potential exploration of coaching roles after retirement.
His home community of Siegsdorf has expressed pride, even naming their sports hall after him to honor his contributions to the sport. Eisenbichler's final appearance as he bids farewell to his competitive days will hold significant emotional weight, underscoring his memorable status within the skiing community.
One of his last competitions is set to take place against fellow top contenders at the World Cup final, where he hopes to walk away having fully embraced the experience and basked in the roar of the crowd one last time. “Why end it at Planica? It’s simple: I celebrated my first World Cup victory there and set the German record; ski flying has truly been my dream and life,” he shares.
Though the curtain will soon close on Eisenbichler’s competitive career, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire the next generation of ski jumpers within Germany and beyond. There is no doubt he will leave behind not only titles but also lasting memories shared with fans and peers alike.